Farewell Retreat

The last Catholic Volunteers retreat was back in Orlando, where it all began.  We gathered, on Friday afternoon, at the home of our most generous and hospitable board member, Gerry Glynn.  After some sharing and a dance workshop, lead by the lithe and lovely Calla, swimming, grilling and eating were about all we accomplished.  But just being together was enough.  So much love and good cheer.

Saturday, we took over a room at St. Margaret Mary retreat center in Winter Park for some serious reflection.  I led Morning Prayer and song, the emphasis on 'gratitude'.  We wrote notes of encouragement to the incoming volunteers and to one another, as some go on to graduate school; others to jobs and some to another year of volunteering.  After five o'clock Mass, we were recomissioned in the Chapel, followed by dinner at the home of Alex and Cory (saying goodbye to their mission in the Dominican Republic, for careers and starting a family here, in Florida).

Sunday we adjourned again at their home for a final farewell.  We made presentations to one another; I crowned Cala Queen of the Dance; Alex presented me with an Oscar for best actress.  All tongue in cheek. We prayed and wept.   A better group of young people I will never know again.  God bless them.